Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thank you all for the continued feedback and support on my baby girl. She's just acting odd or off - call it mother's intuition or something. I read the post that Jerry posted on another forum about "how to know if your dog is in pain" - she is exhibiting NONE of those symptoms. She is just incredibly anxious and needy.
I gave her a sedative last night about an hour before bed. I did like suggested, let her stay where she was and go into my bedroom. About 15 min, she followed me in and curled up in her bed and was out! I was breathing a sigh of relief and we both got some sleep. However, come 4 a.m. - she was wandering around. She just seems to stand. She won't sit. She won't lay down. She's alert, tail wags if I talk to her, etc. I took her for her walk and she did all her business. I kind of hold that amp side while she's pooping so she can feel comfortable and get it all out. Brought her home, gave her a cookie and went for a quick run. Come back and she's standing there. She follows me all over and sort of trembles but not really - if I snuggle her, she relaxes.
Literally from making my lunch for work to showering to getting dressed, a little over an hour, she did not sit. I took her for one more walk before work (now she's getting a ton of extra walks) and brought her in. I gave her another doggy valium to take the edge off, hopefully, while I am at work. She looks sad when I leave but I feel like there is something else off.
I keep looking at her wound and it looks fine to me but those stitches are so close to her girly bits that I wonder if they got contaminated when she peed or something? Maybe she has an infection? Maybe this is all normal? I can't tell if there is discharge or not. I sent a photo of her wound to her vet and hopefully they will call me back soon.
But she ate kibble this a.m. w/out any added stuff - I was really just going to put it out for her so she could snack if she wanted and she ate it all. She had slight loose stools last night so maybe she's just got an upset belly from the steak, etc that I was feeding? She lets me pick her up - no big deal - and nothing seems to really hurt. I know the first two weeks are the hardest but it seems like everyone else is doing better than my girl - who came out like a rockstar but now seems to have some issues that no one seems to know what's up. 🙁
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Michelle and Shelby are getting a little more sleep and that's a HUGE YAAAAAAAAY!
You're getting there...recovery is in process! I know it's hard to see when you're in the middle of it morning, noon and night, but we can tell from reading your posts things ARE improving!
One thing we've learned on this journey is NOT to co pare your dog's journey with others! Use their experiences as a"barometer" or a "guideline", but ALWAYS remember...EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT!!
PLEASE remember to factor in all the surgeries, chemo,etc. that Shelby has been through just prior to this surgery!! OMD!! The fact that she's doing this well is WONDERFUL!! Eating, pooping, peeing, drinking, sleeping five hours straight wagging her tail, walking, not whining and crying anymore..........this dog is doing GREAT!! And so are you!!
Michelle, I know I sou d like a broken record, but she really is acting "normal" for this early in recovery. She has so many pluses indicating that she's not havng any alarming issues, other than recovering from major surgery WITHOUT pain meds. The standing, the restlessness, the shivering, would most likely indicate some discomfort. You know it's not related to the meds now since she's off any pain killers.
If she had any incision "leakage" you would defi itely see it and it would be smelly.
Try and focus on all the little victories she is having...because she most definitely is having them! Patience is sooooooo hard on this jour ey...."give me patience.....and hurry up...... I need it now!"
I am in such awe of what this girl...and you...have been through. It's so important on this journey to not let anything rob you of the joy of being together.That calm, grou ded centered place where you can just share the love and the bliss of being together will continue to bring healing energy to Shelby.
Lots of hugs to you both! I'll send the same sheep back over again for you tonight! They seemed to help!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
One week down! YAY!
Ok, I know it seems like everyone else is doing better but I promise you that isn't true. And again, don't compare, Shelby is her own girl, on her own timetable. Dogs are as individual as people in every aspect.
I'm glad you got to go for a run, hope it helped.
Meanwhile, all I can think is that she can't relax because she is feeling odd sensations from the missing limb. Her brain is sending signals that aren't connecting to the limb and maybe she's confused? I'm not a vet. But it just seems like maybe this could be the issue. Have you asked your vet to give her Gabapentin? I can't remember. It's worth a shot though, at least I think it could be.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Its such early days and Dexter used to just stand up sometimes I think he was uncomfortable laying down. Remember dogs feed of our anxiety if she feels like your worried she will be. Sounds like she is doing really well, just try and relax more I know its very hard! see if that makes a difference:) We didn't see any improvment in Dexter untilr for two weeksx
Sounds like things are getting better, and at least you are getting a bit more sleep. Eva has the occasional squeal and shivers at times - it's hard not to worry about her, but reading on here that other people's dogs do similar things helps greatly.
You are keeping your vets informed and doing such a great job of looking after Shelby - try and relax and look after yourself too.
Thank you all so much! I am glad that you can read between the lines and see little victories where I am having a harder time with it. It's just so hard as she sailed through her other two surgeries with minimal issues I guess I just expected her to bounce back right away again.
Thank you, Jerry - I have inquired about that medication to her surgeon. They really don't think there is anything wrong w/her but I worry when she shakes for no reason or pants. I will say it's been really warm in LA and I live by the beach (thus, no AC) so perhaps she is just over-heated wearing the soft cone collar. I found her in the bathroom when I got home - on the mat, not the cool floor. She seems to go in there a lot when I suspect she's not feeling 100%. Or perhaps she was trying to get away from the classical music I left on for her today.
So she was fine while I was at work - we did our walk, did most of our business and ate ALL our dinner. She's laying down on the other side of the room (which I have read they do go off to be alone so that's fine). she looks pretty alert right now but as I know all too well, this can change in about 2 hours ... Again, fingers crossed! It's officially been one week at this time since she came out of surgery.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
You are doing everything right, trust me. This will pass and your life will be normal again, I promise!
Let us know what the vet says. You have a great bunch at that clinic, they'll help you get this pinned down.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you! I am trying to be a strong pack leader and be calm for her. I think we're doing better right now - cautiously optimistic! In the interim, I'll share some photos of Shelby - she doesn't "roach" and doesn't love the camera but I got some shots of her! She's looking pretty good one week post-amp, I think!
Thank you all .... she's the "love of my life" and I think (judging from the snoring I hear right now) we're going to have a peaceful night.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Her pictures are sooooo swwet! You can just see what a gentle soul she is!!
Yeah, as Jerry says, let us know what the vet says avout the Gabapentin. I'm sure Dexter, Eva and Jersey Girl did not have tneir vet take them off the pan meds at day five.....I guess it's day seven now. Maybe the gaba. won't make her whacky and help ..... maybe not.
The standing means at that moment, for whatever reason, it's hurt g to sit or lay and she's trying to figure out if standing ks a lesser pain...or disco fort...just a thought.
You're doing a good job at learni g to relax more and not worry about every little movement or action Over analyzing is what we all do at first.....then we just learn to get in the flow of the "new normal" while she's recoverung and say things like you just did....."She went to the other skde of the room and thatsfine"...or "She's laying n the bathroom to get away from the music"! It's just so ething she did and it doesn't need to have a meaning! Good for you!
When you DO talk to your vet, I would mention the color of her tongue and gums if they really are purple! No biggy, I would just run that by them.
LOVE that she's eatng and doing her walks and doing her _bidness"! All victories!! I kow we say not to compare...vut.....many dogs don't eat well the first week or two..or three! YAAAAAAAAY SHELBY Okay...no more comparisons...but I thought you'd like that one
Thanks for sharing these great pictues! She is a very loved girl and sooooooo cute!! We're cheering for you BOTH!! She'll be roaching in o time! Hapy Hannah's still practicing too! I think it's hard for her to roll ...she's fat!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Ahhhh..thank you Sally and Happy Hannah! Your words are always so comforting!
Her tongue has been purple for years! She used to just have spots and now it's full on purple. I tell people she drinks a lot of red wine! 🙂
Like clockwork - she's gone a little manic! I heard her gurgling belly and took her out for a quick potty and she wanted to keep going but I made it a short walk! And now she's standing. I guess it does make sense that perhaps she is in pain and her vets just assume that she's not. But I gave her a doggy valium so sleepy time should come right about when I head to bed.
But before bed, here we are earlier! She wanted snuggles and I was happy to oblige!
BTW - I don't think she did roaches pre-amp. 
But she is a gentle soul and very, very in-tune with me and my emotions/feelings. It's a hard balance to keep my anxiety in check for her well being! But I'll get there!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
one week down YAY! AND HOW CUTE ARE THOSE PICS!!!! her face is just so precious!!! I know recovery can be hard but you WILL get there!!! keep on keeping us posted!!!!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Awww. What sweet pics! How can you resist that happy face?!
Ok so maybe she's not feeling all that great but she sure does hide it pretty well with that darling mugshot. I hope the doggie downer works magic tonight!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Now THAT is THE sweetest picture of all!! She looks soooooo content to be right next to you...and you to her!
This pictures show a oneness and a relaxed energy.....and a knowing that all is well. Everytime you feel a little stressed...take a look at this picture, BREATHE...and you will immediately go to a calm and grounded place.
Our dogs and cats are teaching us this journey is not "just" about an amputation...it's about growth of our souls and expansion of our compassinate spirit
Surroundng you with zzzzzzzzz's
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Ahhh, Sally and Happy Hannah, that made me tear up! So sweet!!! It is about little victories and I have learned so much from her through our life and specifically this recent journey together.
We all slept last night. She continues to sleep/spend time in the bathroom and on the bath mat. I don't know why and I guess if it doesn't bother her and keeps her from wandering, then it should not bug me (but it does). She shakes a bit in the morning and seems stiff but once we get going, she does all her outside stuff like a champ. Food - ears perk up and it's the same Shelby I know and love. I go to leave for spin class - ears back/shaking/sad face. So I know it's just hard for her when I leave.
She was fine when I left this a.m. (albeit sad) so I did not bring he to the vet for observation. She will be back on Tuesday for her stitches out and it's only day 8. She's on doggy valium 2X a day and I am hoping that isn't for forever. I am truly choosing to focus on our victories today - 1. that I saw her spirit in her eyes this a.m. 2. that she ate baby carrots and cucumber from my hand (she wasn't eating food out of my hand anymore) 3. she seems happy in the bathroom (not my thing but whatever).
Also it is hot, windy and dry and it's a full moon and there have been earthquakes so perhaps she's just feeling a little bat insane because of all that (combined with missing her leg). Day 8 post amp! Proud of my fighter girl!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
GRRRRRRRRRREAT UPDATE!! Got a standing ovation going on over jere for BOTH of you!!!
We've got more VICTORIES folks!!!
We've got SLEEEEEEEEEEP! YAAAAAAY
We,ve got EATING OUT OF MOM'S HAND!! YAAAAAAAAAY (Cucumbers and carrots? Wow!)
We've got the spirit and sparkle back in Shelby's eyes! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! HUGE YAAAAAAAAAAAY
Goodness gracious...EARTHQUAKES? I guess she does feel a little uncertain when her pack leader leaves for a bit!! And she probably knows the bathroom is a sfare place to be DURING EARTHQUAKES!! Okay, I know we have hurricanes on the East Coast and they can be scarey too!
Really good update! (Even if we didn't get a picture this tine). Okay...what's "spin" class? It jas nothing to do with doing the roach, right?
GOOD JOB EVERYBODY!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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